The 2020 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray is finally here, and it was certainly worth the wait. Switching to a mid-engine layout for the first time has resulted in some monumental performance improvements, with its 6.2-liter V8 sending 495 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque to the rear wheels. That's enough grunt to send the mid-engined Corvette from 0-62 mph in less than three seconds, meaning its performance is on par with the current-generation 755-hp C7 ZR1. There's another innovation you may not be aware of, however.
Inside, the C8 Corvette's cabin has been radically redesigned, with a new digital gauge cluster and infotainment screen, and a polarizing two-spoke steering wheel. Audiophiles are also in for a treat because the 2020 Corvette can be equipped with Bose's most powerful sound system ever fitted to a sports car - not that we would want to drown out the sound of its glorious V8.
As standard, the 2020 Corvette comes with a 10-speaker Bose Premium surround-sound system but this can be upgraded to Bose's new Performance system, which includes 14 speakers (the most Bose has ever put into a two-seater) delivering "the loudest - yet clearest - Bose audio experience ever in a two-seat coupe cabin."
Shifting the engine location also presented a challenge to Bose system engineers since this changes the size and shape of the cabin, which affects how music and sound is heard in the car. Using innovative and creative techniques, Bose claims its team has designed a sound system that's unlike any other in the Corvette's history.
"From the beginning, we knew we had to have an audio system that carefully balanced the need to isolate the occupants from the engine compartment in the rear, while providing live performance-like audio clarity," said Tadge Juechter, Corvette executive chief engineer. "The Bose system technology in the 2020 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray delivers that careful balance."
The Bose Performance system includes 2.5-inch and 3.25-inch neodymium Bose Twiddler speakers in the instrument panel, along with a combination of 4-inch neodymium wide-range speakers and 1-inch neodymium tweeters in each upper door. A pair of 5.25-inch neodymium wide-range speakers and three additional 3.25-inch neodymium Twiddler speakers are also positioned in the rear of the cabin, while 10-inch Bose Nd woofers integrated in each door delivers powerful bass. Pricing and trim details will be announced closer to the C8 Corvette's on-sale date.